Luke 2: 1-7
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

REVIEWGo back and reread the text, spend time with the illumination. Reread your own reflections. What is stirring in your heart? Take a few minutes to write.

Luke 2: 1-7
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

INPUTIn the illumination, the Divine is imaged in the shaft of gold coming from the feeding trough. The horizontal line of light makes the figure a cross. Notice the expressions on the faces on those who gaze in the manager (which looks like a book cover). Animals are prominent in the forefront. The ox is modeled on one found in the Neolithic cave paintings of Lascaux ,France. The texts are from various canticles, including the prophecy spoken by Zechariah (Luke 1:78-79). There is no child in the crib. What does this deliberate omission say to you? Imagine yourself as the newborn babe in this scene. Take a few minutes to write your reflection.

Luke 2: 1-7
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

SEEINGReturn to God’s word for the purpose of “hearing and seeing” Christ in the text. Fix your gaze on the illumination. How is this image traditional, how unusual? Ask God to open the eyes of your heart and enable you to see what God wants you to see. How has the text and sacred art changed you? In what way has it deepened your faith and/or motivated your faith? Take a few minutes to write what you see and hear.

Luke 2: 1-7
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

LISTENINGRead the text, preferably aloud. As you hear the words, “listen with the ears of your heart” for a word or short phrase that God has for you this day. Take a few minutes to write what you hear in your heart.

REVIEWGo back and reread the text, spend time with the illumination. Reread your own reflections. What is stirring in your heart? How has the text and sacred art changed you? In what way has it deepened your faith and/or motivated your faith?